Paying it forward: Chamber prize goes to Hospice House

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Sault Ste. Marie Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

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Posted Dec. 9, 2012 at 2:30 PM

Posted Dec. 9, 2012 at 2:30 PM

Sault Ste. Marie

The winner of the annual Sault Area Chamber of Commerce reverse raffle called “Dash with the Cash” usually poses for a photo while accepting the raffle’s $10,000 grand prize. This year, however, the presentation had a twist and the prizewinner was photographed donating the grand prize to Hospice of the EUP.

Pam Rodenroth of Sault Ste. Marie said she immediately thought of Hospice of the EUP’s Hospice House when she decided to take the prize money and “pay it forward.” The donation will help complete the fundraising for the newly opened Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie.

Pam and her husband Steve, who own Rodenroth Motors in Sault Ste. Marie, bought five tickets to the annual Chamber fundraiser that was held in October at Bay Mills Resort and Casino in Brimley. One of the tickets with Pam’s name on it was drawn that night and she said it was the first time either she or her husband have won a prize during the event.

Pam said she knew that she wanted to do something good with the money and she chose that something to be Hospice House.

“Steve and I had attended the open house at Hospice House just a few weeks prior and it was the first place I thought of to donate the money. I knew that the best thing I could do with this money was to pass it on to help support the needs of others,” she said.

Sault Area Chamber Executive Director Al Case said the annual raffle is one of the organization’s main fundraisers and draws a considerable amount of attention in the community. He said the Chamber is pleased with what the Rodenroths decided to do with the grand prize.

“Pam’s generosity is about as perfect a scenario we could ever hope for as part of our annual raffle,” he said. “It’s rewarding to get the financial support from the community for our event, but it is simply inspirational to see that it has resulted in such a generous donation to a worthy organization such as Hospice of the EUP. We applaud Pam for her donation and the example she has set for ‘paying it forward.’”

The employees of Rodenroth Motors have supported Hospice House as well, by donating money from their dress down days this year. Pam summed up this most recent donation by saying, “Giving makes our own hearts stronger and helps the needs of others...everyone wins this way. It is the season of giving and I feel it is a privilege to help this worthy cause.”

For information on how you can donate to Hospice House, contact Hospice of the EUP at 906-259-0222 or write hospice@hospiceoftheeup.com.